The Adeniyi National Award for Exceptional Revenue Performance

BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

In a defining moment for Nigeria’s public service, the nation witnessed the rise of a new benchmark in institutional excellence as the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, received the Outstanding Revenue Collection Award at the 2025 Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS).                    

The honour, now widely celebrated as ‘The Adeniyi National Award for Exceptional Revenue Performance’ has become a symbol of what disciplined, visionary and accountable leadership can achieve.

Held on Sunday, 7 December 2025, at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the ceremony placed Adeniyi at the centre of national attention, affirming his transformative impact on Nigeria’s revenue landscape.

A Recognition That Defines a Standard

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, underscored the weight of the honour. He noted that Adeniyi was selected from 44 distinguished public service achievers after a rigorous performance assessment—an endorsement that speaks volumes about the scale and consistency of his accomplishments.

Akume praised Adeniyi’s discipline, transparency and professionalism, describing his leadership as “a clear reflection of the kind of public service Nigeria needs at this critical moment.” This is precisely why the award has taken on a life of its own—becoming synonymous with exceptional revenue performance.

A Leader Whose Results Speak for Themselves

Under Adeniyi’s stewardship, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has:

-Surpassed revenue targets with remarkable consistency

-Strengthened border management systems with renewed efficiency

-Restored public confidence in institutional service delivery

-Advanced trade facilitation through smarter, technology driven processes.

It must be noted that these achievements are not routine, they are the product of uncommon leadership capacity, strategic clarity and a relentless commitment to national progress. It is no surprise that the award now carries his imprint. A leader among leaders, Adeniyi described the award as one of team work.

Adeniyi Shares the Honour With His Workforce

Speaking after receiving the award, Adeniyi expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu, the SGF and the organisers. In his characteristic humility, he dedicated the honour to the officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service. He described the award as “a personal inspiration but, more importantly, a tribute to the dedication of the officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service.”

For him, the recognition is not a finish line but a renewed call to duty. “This recognition challenges us to work even harder. It reinforces our commitment to making this country proud through credible revenue administration and service that reflects integrity and excellence,” he said.

A Ceremony That Celebrated Excellence Across the Nation

The event drew an impressive audience, including the Governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Kano and Zamfara States, the Director General of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and other senior public officials. Their presence underscored the national significance of the honour and the growing recognition of Adeniyi’s leadership footprint.

Organised by The Best Strategic (TBS) Media in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the NEAPS platform aims to strengthen a culture of recognition in public institutions. In Adeniyi, they found a model worthy of national emulation.

A Legacy in Motion

The Adeniyi National Award for Exceptional Revenue Performance is more than a trophy—it is a statement. It is a statement that excellence is possible. It is a statement that leadership matters. Overall, it is a statement that when competence meets integrity, institutions thrive.

CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has not only earned a national honour; he has set a new standard for what public service leadership should look like. And as Nigeria continues to navigate complex economic and security challenges, his example stands as a beacon of what is achievable through vision, discipline and unwavering commitment.